Chad Busick on Championship Mindset: Building Identity, Mental Toughness, and True Grit
Monday, July 28, 2025
Mindset Over Skillset:
Chad Busick on Building a Championship Identity
"Before you can become a champion on the field, you have to become one in your mind." - Chad Busick
In this powerful episode of the Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity podcast, we sit down with Chad Busick—founder of Championship Mindset, speaker, and author—to uncover what it truly means to build a championship identity from the inside out.
Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone pursuing greatness in any area of life, Chad's insights on mental toughness, personal identity, and long-term success will challenge you to grow.
Who Is Chad Busick?
Chad Busick is the founder of Championship Mindset and works with high-level athletes and coaches across the country. He’s passionate about helping individuals develop a mindset that leads to excellence—not just in performance, but in life.
From working with collegiate and high school programs to co-authoring books like The Rock Tumbler, Chad helps athletes connect with their identity, values, and purpose so they can rise above the adversity they face.
Wear the Mindset. Live the Message
The Confident Athlete and This Is Good gear is finally here!
Now you can rep the mindset both on and off the court. Whether you're a basketball player grinding through adversity or an athlete showing up with purpose, our apparel is designed to remind you—and everyone around you—what you're about. It's Not Just What You Wear. It's Who You Are!
Identity First, Performance Second
One of Chad’s foundational teachings is that identity precedes performance. When athletes know who they are beyond their sport, they become more resilient, confident, and focused—especially when the pressure is on.
Chad breaks down how so many athletes struggle when they link their self-worth to their outcomes. His solution? Build an identity grounded in values like discipline, consistency, and integrity.
The Power of Words: From 'I Have To' to 'I Get To'
Chad highlights how the language we use shapes our mindset. Simply shifting from “I have to go to practice” to “I get to go to practice” reframes effort as a privilege, not a burden. It’s a powerful tool to cultivate gratitude and push through difficult days.
He reminds us that how we show up—especially when we don’t feel like it—is a reflection of our commitment and character.
Championship Mindset Is a Daily Decision
The path to greatness isn’t a one-time choice—it’s made in the small, consistent actions we take every day. Chad challenges athletes to commit to the process, not just the outcome. When you fall in love with growth, success becomes a byproduct.
He shares practical tools that help athletes get out of their comfort zones and build mental resilience in high-stakes moments.
The Rock Tumbler Analogy
One of the most memorable parts of our conversation was Chad’s metaphor of the rock tumbler. Life’s friction, pressure, and adversity shape us—just like raw stones tumbling until they’re polished and refined.
This is a must-listen section for any athlete going through a tough season. It will change how you look at setbacks and challenges.
The Rock Tumbler Analogy
Chad emphasizes that coaches play a crucial role in shaping their athletes’ mindset. When coaches lead with clarity, character, and consistency, it sets a standard that ripples throughout the entire team.
He shares how coaches can integrate identity work into their programs—and why doing so leads to stronger culture, deeper trust, and better results.
Becoming The Person Worth Becoming
This episode isn’t just about winning games—it’s about becoming the kind of person who wins at life. Chad reminds us that true champions are defined by who they are, not just what they do.
If you're ready to take your performance and identity to the next level, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to do it.
Get a 14-day free trial of The Confident Athlete Program and access our full suite of mindset tools for athletes, coaches, and parents:
👉 www.ConfidentAthleteProgram.com
📘 Get your copy of Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity here: www.JeffHeggie.com/freebook
This episode is sponsored by dōTERRA — the global leader in essential oils and natural wellness solutions. As a listener of the Challenger Deep podcast, you can unlock 25% off all dōTERRA products and supplements.
Start your journey to peak performance and recovery with the purest plant-based tools on the planet: www.ConfidentAthleteProgram.com/doterra
25% Off Your dōTERRA Products & Supplements
This episode of The Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity Podcast is brought to you by dōTERRA, the world leader in essential oils and wellness products.
Listeners of this podcast can get 25% off dōTERRA products and supplements. Click HERE to start your journey to peak performance today.
We all face adversity. It's how we choose to respond to it that determines who we become...
Discover how to turn challenges into triumphs with Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity.
Get your FREE copy now!
Packed with strategies, stories, and tools to build resilience and success.
Check out other episodes of The Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity Podcast:
Setting Big Goals & Crushing Them: Tanner McLachlan's Path to the NFL
The Mindset of a World Champion: Josh Frost 2024 World Champion Bull Rider
Lessons in Leadership and Overcoming Adversity: Heather Gage
Overcoming Obstacles with Strength and Determination: Caity Patterson
Faith, Adversity & Mental Toughness: Daniel Dickerson
The Journey from Athlete to Mentor: Pat O'Malley
Sherry Winn: Champion Mindset & Overcoming Adversity
The Path for Coaches: Mentorship
Madelyn Wilson - Beating Cancer, Building Championships
How Byrnes Softball Defied the Odds and Won the State Championship
Dora Kurimay: Get Your Game Face On
Caroline Tripp: Confident Athlete Who Rose Through Adversity
Olympic Coach Shawnee Harle on Mental Toughness, Athlete Mindset, and Overcoming Adversity
Jeff Heggie
Success Coach
The Confident Athlete Newsletter #26 - October 2025
Transform Your Health & Wealth: Foundational Wellness Bundle & Residual Income Side Hustle
The Best Side Hustle Ideas From Home: How dōTERRA Creates Residual Income and Freedom
Network Marketing: Why It's One of the Smartest Side Hustle Ideas You Can Start Today
The Confident Athlete Newsletter #25 - September 2025
Bold Journey: An Inspired Chat with Jeff Heggie
The Business Opportunity Every Entrepreneur Needs: Make Money, Build a Side Hustle, and Create Time Freedom
Confidence, Horses, and True Winning: Lessons with Wendy Winn
How to Make Money Online: The dōTERRA Side Hustle for Financial & Time Freedom
10X Coaching for Entrepreneurs: Why Thinking Bigger and simplifying Your Business Changes Everything
Your 4th Down – Why You Need to Go For It with Coach Dave Christensen
The Confident Athlete Newsletter #24 - August 2025
The Side Hustle That Can Change Everything — Without Giving Up Your Life
Endurance, Purpose, and the Rebuild: How Danjee Moser Transformed His Mind and Body After Adversity
How to Set Goals and Actually Achieve Them
Chad Busick on Championship Mindset: Building Identity, Mental Toughness, and True Grit
Click below to get Jeff's Mindset Questions for FREE and prime yourself for success every day!
